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Crackdown gold, you know what that means...
Crackdown is gold and on schedule for release February 20. Microsoft has made a point to highlight Crackdown's apparent pre-release popularity, citing a "significant number of pre-orders" purchased in advance. Excited as we may be about David Jones' twisting of his own Grand Theft Auto creation, Microsoft's tying of Crackdown to the Halo 3 Beta should not be understated. It's likely that many pre-orders were placed to secure an invitation to the beta, which will only be bundled with Crackdown for a limited time. Those who haven't pre-ordered are likely holding out to play the demo, which, according to ads posted on Xbox Live yesterday (now removed), was supposed to be released yesterday. As announced Tuesday, the demo has been delayed (guess marketing didn't get the memo). But Microsoft is sticking to its promise that the demo will be delivered before the month is up -- hopefully in time to consider Buy.com's slight discount.
Crackdown demo slips through a slight crack
Microsoft PR has informed us that the Crackdown demo has entered the final certification process, but will miss its scheduled release on Thursday. A press release states the delay will only span "several days," but IGN cites several weeks (anytime before the end of the month). The retail version will ship February 20 as expected. Microsoft also confirmed that the demo will not support "jump-in" co-op gameplay, a major feature of the retail version. Instead, players will have to organize co-op games through the demo's pre-game interface -- a slight, but notable nuisance. The demo is set in one of four major gang-held territories and gives players an opportunity to enjoy some of the game's advanced abilities through enhanced leveling. In related news, Buy.com is offering Crackdown, plus Halo 3 Beta invite, for $58.39 (includes S&H). [Via press release]
Crackdown achievements: 100 points missing
The achievements for Crackdown have been revealed by Achieve360Points.com. There are currently 43 achievements totaling 900 points -- falling 100 short of the standard 1000. It is assumed that more achievements will be added after the game ships (probably via downloadable content). The achievements in Crackdown mirror the sandbox nature of the game, asking players to do things they were bound to try anyway. One of our favorites is "Car Juggler," which requires you to juggle a car in the air for at least 7 seconds with explosives (like a rocket launcher). Other achievements ask you to perform certain stunts in your vehicles (not unlike some of the Dead Rising achievements), kill gang members in creative ways, or just show off your skills (kill 5 gang members in one jump). We have to admit, we're getting pretty excited about Crackdown. A sandbox game with Live co-op sounds like just what the doctor ordered.And no, there is no achievement for unlocking the Halo 3 beta invite.
Crack down on Crackdown, Germany refuses to issue rating
The German ratings board has refused to issue a rating for Crackdown, marking the third instance in which an Xbox 360 title will be ostensibly blacklisted in the country. This peculiar circumstance does not make Crackdown illegal, but its sale to minors is. In addition, the game cannot be displayed or advertised by retailers, and all purchases of Crackdown must be made in person. The ratings board was likely turned off by the game's violence, which has yet to draw attention from other critics. See also: Dead Rising banned in Germany Germany says NEIN to Gears of War German states mull violent game ban
Buy Halo 3 Beta invitation, get Crackdown (for free!)
According to an ad in the latest issue of Gamepro, Microsoft will start selling Halo 3 Multiplayer Beta invitations for $60 beginning February 20 -- oh, and each golden ticket comes with a game called Crackdown. Fine print reads: Limited time offer -- look for specially marked boxes. [Thanks, zewone]
Crackdown in stores Feb. 20, demo on Jan. 18
Microsoft's crack at the Grand Theft Auto crown, from Grand Theft Auto creator David Jones and his Real Time Worlds studio, is set to hit streets February 20. Admittedly, Crackdown shares more in common with Mercenaries than it does with any of the GTA titles, as it's less structured than Rockstar's series and not mission-based -- you're charged with taking down three criminal organizations however you see fit. Of course, the ability to become a 'super freak' (leap buildings, transform vehicles, throw semis, etc.) puts Crackdown in a niche of its own -- if not the superpowers, then the cel-shaded visuals. It's totally like being inside a graphic novel! Right?... For those of us still concerned that Crackdown lacks some of the cohesive elements necessary for a mainstream hit, Microsoft is offering a demo, set to hit Xbox Live Marketplace on January 18. The demo will include -- for Xbox Live Gold members -- a preview of Crackdown's full-scale online co-op, which gives the game a huge boost over its competition. Free-form gang-stomping with a buddy? Yes please. [Via press release]
Crackdown demo hits XBLM Jan. 18th
Crackdown, the anticipated title from Grand Theft Auto creator, David Jones, is hitting retail shelves on February 20, 2007. On January 18, 360 owners will be able to download a demo of the game from Xbox Live Marketplace. The demo will feature both single-player and online cooperative modes, giving players a chance to experience what Crackdown has to offer. We've been covering as much Crackdown as possible in the last several months -- Joystiq even got a chance to play it -- and we're very excited to give the demo a try.Anyone else raring to get a crack at Crackdown?[Thanks, Tony]
Realtime Worlds gets $31m in funding
Realtime Worlds, developer of upcoming Xbox 360 action-cop shooter, Crackdown, has secured $31 million in funding from New Enterprise Associates. Two members of NEA have joined the board of directors at Realtime Worlds, suggesting that the companies expect the partnership to be a long-term collaboration. Founded in 2002, Realtime Worlds has yet to ship a product, although Crackdown is due in 2007. Unless Realtime Worlds has developed expensive tastes -- and we remember watching that happen to dot-com companies -- we expect the funding to keep it strong well past any Crackdown success or failure. (From our look at the game, we're betting on "success.") See also: Joystiq hands-on: Crackdown (Xbox 360)
Joystiq gets a crack at Crackdown
The dapper gentlefolk at Joystiq recently got a chance to play the latest from GTA creator, David Jones, Crackdown. You may recall that we brought you a super great video of the game recently. So, go watch that video and then come finish this article. We'll wait ... and ... good. So, the question is, of course, did Joystiq find the game fun? The answer is yes. Crackdown is a sandbox game with a heavy bent towards action. As Joystiq puts it, "the game's frenzied pace doesn't pause for soul-searching or deep social commentary; gamers will pick it up for its action, not nuance." Naturally, we can't speak for everyone (though we do try), but that sounds like our kind of sandbox game. The co-op in particular sounds like a great way to spend time with a buddy over Live, just tearing around the city doing whatever you want. Rest assured, we're keeping our eye on this one. Hit the read link to check out Joystiq's hands-on with the game. It's chock-full of information and pretty, pretty pictures.
Joystiq hands-on: Crackdown (Xbox 360)
Future-cop shooter, Crackdown, prides itself on nonlinear, sandbox play. It's set in a sprawling city with many areas to explore, and I had fun wandering through a pre-release version at a recent meeting with developer, Real Time Worlds. The game is violent and visceral; you play a Judge Dread Dredd-style super-cop with no moral ambiguity. Every criminal you kill is a victory, and any bystanders that die between you and the baddies were just doing their part for their city. This premise is sure to appeal to the adolescent boy in all of us (and actual adolescent boys). But for a game that gloats about its open, let-the-gamer-decide play-style, I thought that the violence was sometimes too mandatory and too realistic. I had fun with Crackdown, and I want to play more. I enjoyed the sandbox elements -- blowing up parts of the city, jumping between rooftops, and driving cars -- but those activities didn't always help me progress. It seemed like I needed to keep killing thugs to advance through the game, and that repetition may violate the sandbox ideal. To Crackdown's credit, the Xbox 360 game doesn't take time to dwell on its blunt-instrument kill-the-enemy-gangs premise -- it even approaches it with a crooked smile. And the game's frenzied pace doesn't pause for soul-searching or deep social commentary; gamers will pick it up for its action, not nuance.
Moore: Too Human, Crackdown, Forza 2, Shadowrun by end of June
Speaking with MTV's Stephen Totilo, Peter Moore promised that Crackdown, Forza Motorsport 2, Shadowrun, and Too Human would all see release by the end of June 2007. While Shadowrun's debut has always hinged on the availability of Windows Vista (FASA's game is cross-platform), the other three titles were once expected to round out Xbox 360's exclusive holiday lineup this year. As it goes, Gears of War and Viva Piñata will have to convince shoppers to pass on PlayStation 3 and Wii -- or shortages will. Still, with PS3 likely in short supply early next year, Microsoft has an opportunity to attract potential consumers with well-timed releases throughout the tail end of winter, leading into summer. But don't be surprised if a few of these exclusives continue to slip, landing alongside Master Chief in next year's holiday release batch.
X06: ...and the rest
Quick impressions and thoughts on some other noteworthy games shown on the X06 show floor. Guitar Hero II (360): Not playable, but demo'ed continuously by two rock gods with the stamina of heavyweight boxers (see picture). They confirmed that the final Xbox 360 guitar controller would look like a Gibson Explorer but refused to comment on wireless capabilities or the intriguing D-pad on the base. Game itself looked nice in hi-rez, but graphics lagged a bit with the music at this early stage. Viva Piñata: Playable tutorial walks you through building a house, attracting new piñatas and making baby eggs. Rare demo with ten hours of progress showed a thriving garden brimming with life and fully accessorized piñatas. Hired helpers prevent the game from becoming a micromanagement chore. Looks like it could be a hit with the Pokemon set. Forza Motorosport 2: Game had major frame rate issues, making it very difficult to play and/or judge. PR handlers say it's 60 percent complete... that last 40 will be an uphill battle. Halo 2 (PC): Game played great with the mouse and keyboard, and looked great on the decked out Dell Dimension 9150 with large widescreen monitor. Other than that, it's still Halo. Map editor was not available for demo. Crackdown: Grand Theft Auto meets Hulk: Ultimate Destruction in a mess of a game with rough graphics, sloppy controls and an awful camera system. Needs serious work to be a worthy contender. That about does it for X06 posts from Barcelona. Sorry if I didn't cover your favorite game, but there wasn't enough time to do justice to everything available on the show floor. If there's anything you're still wondering about that wasn't covered in our X06 posts, I'll do my best to answer specific questions in the below comment thread in the coming days.
Crackdown: gimme what he's smokin'
Realtime Worlds' Crackdown brings new meaning to the term 'car-jack,' as GTA mastermind Dave Jones has seemingly enlisted the BALCO boys to inject some juice into the sandbox genre. Despite only moderate hype, Microsoft considers Crackdown to be one of the most promising upcoming titles for the Xbox 360. Today, Worthplaying posted a slew of new screenshots and some general details. Get familiar!
